Apple iWatch patent shows off flexible screen device

Adding to recent Apple Watch rumours, a newly emerged Apple patent has shown off the company’s plans to work on a flexible display hosting wrist-worn gadget.

Described as a “wearable accessory device,” the new Apple iWatch patent filing has detailed potential features of the Cupertino company’s heavily rumoured wrist worn gadget, with the iWatch esque device said to feature a “bi-stable spring with flexible display.”

With the flexible screen said to feature “a flat state and a curled state,” it is believed that the Apple iWatch could feature a form factor similar to the nostalgic slap band bracelets of our youth. Although an interesting concept, in truth, it is unlikely Apple would lead its change into the wearable gadget sector with such a seemingly precarious design, despite reports Nokia has also investigated similar designs.

With the Apple iWatch patent suggesting that the “wearable video device” will enter a power-saving mode when curled around a user’s wrist, internal sensors and accelerometers will alert the device as to when it is in a position for viewing content, automatically correcting the screen orientation to fit.

Whilst recent Apple iWatch rumours have suggested Apple has dedicated a 100 strong work force to the device, made up of “managers, members of the marketing group, and software and hardware engineers who previously worked on the iPhone and iPad,” latest reports have suggested the device will play host to a wrist strap that doubles as a stand for the screen.

According to the iWatch patent, Apple’s equivalent to the equally speculative Samsung Galaxy Watch, which leaked earlier this month, will also include a “kinetic energy-gathering component” that will allow users to generate their own battery power through movement and use.

Despite the latest iWatch leak coming courtesy of Apple’s patents department, it is not expected that such sketches as those pictured alongside the new details will offer a true indication of the rumoured device’s eventual form.

Would you be tempted by a flexible, wrapable Apple iWatch or would you be looking for something a little sturdier? Let us know via the TrustedReviews Twitter and Facebook feeds or through the comment boxes below.